Before Victoria's hand could strike Sarah a second time, a strong hand caught her wrist in mid-air with an iron grip. Victoria froze, startled by the sudden physical restraint. She turned her head angrily to see who dared touch her in such a public space. Standing right beside her was Julian Vance, a handsome man dressed in a sharp black tuxedo and bow tie. Julian was the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the global investment firm that sponsored the evening's event. He had just returned from living abroad for five years and was known for his cold efficiency, quiet authority, and zero tolerance for cruelty. Julian looked at Victoria with a steady, unyielding expression that immediately made the room feel ice cold. Victoria gasped in frustration and tried to pull her arm back, but Julian did not release his hold. He spoke calmly and firmly to the aggressive woman in red, his voice carrying clearly across the silent marble hall. He demanded that she let go of the maid and let her job be over right then and there. Victoria's face turned red with frustration as she realized people were watching her get put in her place. She tried to use her family name to intimidate him, shouting loudly that she did not care who he was and asking if he had any idea who she was dealing with. Julian did not flinch, nor did his calm demeanor change for a single second. He lowered her arm slowly but kept his body positioned directly between Victoria and the helpless maid on the floor. Sarah looked up through her tears, astonished that anyone would stand up against the most feared socialite in the city. Little Lily stopped crying for a brief moment, sensing that the tall man in the tuxedo was protecting them. Victoria stomped her foot, her voice rising to a shrill scream as she demanded that Julian mind his own business and let the security guards throw the maid out into the street. The heavy tense atmosphere grew even thicker as Julian stepped closer to Victoria, his gaze fixed on her furious eyes. The entire room waited for the confrontation to reach its breaking point as the truth began to unfold.